The first couple days...

JOS CREW (@ Faith Alive Hospital)
Hey Nativity!!
We finally got a minute today to us the internet and we wanted to quickly update you all of our progress here in Jos. We arrived in Nigeria on Thursday evening unscathed and happy, but definetly a little tired. All of boxes of medication reached their destination and survived Customs. All of our donations are now currently being used for great causes! Thank you!

Our entire group of 11 stayed in a Guest House on Thursday evening in Abuja, because Dr. Chris decided it was too late to drive the Abuja Crew to the outskirts of the city. Here in Nigeria, it is safer to travel during the daylight hours and travel at night is not recommended. After waking up on Friday, the Orphanage Group was dropped off at their site where they began working and interacting with the children at the Poorest of the Poor. On Saturday, the group traveled to an Area called Benin, to visit with the family of Sr. Oresoa, the founder of the Poorest of the Poor. They are having a great time with the children, and have been spent alot of time singing and teaching them praise and worship songs.

As for the Faith Alive Group, we left the guest house in Abuja after the Orphanage Group, and began our drive to Jos (about 3 hours). After arriving in Jos, we ate lunch with staff from Faith Alive and met other volunteers who will be working with us at the Hospital. One group of 12 volunteers are from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, and all of them are here for the first time. On Saturday, we attended a Cultural Ceremony with lots of dancing and singing, and many of us were selected to impress the audience with our own American dance moves and songs. (Paul and Jason will not comment! lol) The rest of the afternoon was filled with storms and rain, which cancelled most of our other plans for the day.

Right now, it is 2:30pm in the afternoon on Sunday here in Jos, and we are getting ready to attend the Support Group meeting, where we hope to get footage for a video documentary of our trip. I would liek to say hello to my family, and pass along my love! We are all having a great time and are all moved by the people of Jos. We have been treated with great kindness and generosity, and I continue to be amazed by their joy and compassion for strangers. Their happiness and joy are truely contagious! We are in good hands!

-Jason

Somethings the group members would like for me pass along:

Teresa: The people have been amazing. Their kindness and generosity are astounding and the food has been enjoyable aswell. She was also impressed by the church service this morning, which we attended at St. Louis Catholic Church. She would like to pass along her love to her entire family, especially to Tony and the Kids. She also says don't worry about her, she is doing very well!!

Paul: Mom, Dad, Maureen, and Aunt Angie
Im doing great! This trip has completely surpassed my expectations. We have been welcomed with open arms. They definately weren't kidding about it being the rainy season. As im writing this blog there is a terrential downpour going on outside. Love you all see you soon!

Molly: To all my family and friends
Just wanted you to know that I am doing well! The people I have met here are amazing and I really don't have words to describe this place. It is awesome! I am looking forward to starting work in the hospital this week. Don't worry about me I am doing great and even have tried some of the food here! Love you all!

Lauren: things are going well here and the food is awesome! Its taking time for my stomach to agree with it though. The people here are astounding to me...everyone is so friendly and absolutley lovely. The children absolutely blow my mind. All they want to do is hug us and hold our hands and have us take their pictures. I think when it is time to leave I will miss them horribly. I love you mom...stop worrying everything is terrific. I miss you, Tawny, and Kaylea very much and can't wait to give you all big hugs. I miss you Matt and I promise to keep in touch and let you know everything thats going on so you'll stop worrying too. All my love always!